2020
In November, Compassion & Choices hosted a webinar about advance care planning and hospice use among African Americans. The event included State Representative Rena Moran, who chairs the Health & Human Services Committee, along with two members of Compassion & Choices African American Leadership Council: Rev. Charles McNeill, Jr. of Unity Baptist Church and Missy Moore, a nurse and healthcare executive.
In December, with the help of an amazing host committee of volunteer advocates, we held our first-ever live virtual fundraiser, with remarks from Compassion & Choices CEO Kim Callinan, former Governor Arne Carlson and lobbyist Richard Carlbom, who has organized some of the most powerful grassroots campaigns in the history of the state.
2019
On September 11, 2019, the House Health and Human Services Policy Committee held and informational hearing on the Minnesota End-of-Life Option Act. Supporters came out in a major way, with over 120 people donning our signature yellow sitting in the hearing room.
On March 7, 2019, the End-of-Life Option Act, House File 2152, was introduced by Rep. Mike Freiberg. If passed, the bill would have authorized medical aid in dying in Minnesota, however, the legislative session adjourned on May 20, 2019.
2017-2018
The Minnesota End-of-Life Option Act (HF 1885) was introduced in the 2017-2018 biennium legislative session by Sen.Chris Eaton (DFL– chief author) and Rep. Mike Freiberg (DFL – chief author). It was referred to the Health and Human Services Reform Committee.
Sen. Eaton and Rep. Mike Freiberg introduced the End-of-Life Option Act for 2017 (SF 1572,HF 1885) on March 1, 2017. Unfortunately, the bill was not heard during the 2017 legislative session.
2016
Minnesota’s Compassionate Care Act, modeled after Oregon’s Death with Dignity Act, was heard in the Senate Health, Human Services & Housing Committee on March 16, 2016. After extensive testimony, including from Brittany Maynard’s husband, Dan Diaz, who traveled from California, the bill was withdrawn for this year. Senate author Sen. Chris Eaton pledged to reintroduce the legislation in 2017 and to continue educating the public and elected officials across the state about the need for the law.
